For many who experience concussions, it may not be just a two week trial, but a long-term injury that can last years after impact.
Local neurotherapy clinic, Cognitive FX, is developing an innovative treatment plan to help those suffering from continual symptoms.
Eve Tyler, who suffered two back-to-back concussions, faced a year-long struggle with symptoms.
She spent more than two years trying to cope with constant headaches and cognitive fatigue, finding it difficult to manage even daily tasks. For Tyler, the process was overwhelming.
“I spent more than two years just trying to survive, constantly worried about the next day. It made it impossible to actually enjoy anything that was going on,” Tyler said.
Tyler’s experience mirrored the challenges faced by many others with post-concussive syndrome or mild traumatic brain injuries. Even simple tasks became difficult, leading to cognitive fatigue and emotional strain.
"The difference between before treatment and after treatment is being able to enjoy life," Tyler said.
Like many others going through similar struggles, Tyler felt stuck. That was until she found hope in a two-week treatment program at Cognitive FX, a clinic founded by neurophysician Dr. Alina Fong.
The clinic specializes in a type of neurotherapy that’s not typically available in traditional medical settings.
The treatment began with a functional MRI scan, which examined nearly 60 regions of the brain to measure how it was using energy and to identify areas where the brain might be overcompensating or where pathways might be damaged.
“The purpose behind EPIC was to individualize and tailor a therapy program based on the patient’s specific functional MRI scan,” Dr. Fong said.
After the scans, patients begin a personalized 1-2 week therapy program designed to address their unique brain functions. The program includes therapies such as neuromuscular therapy and sensory therapy.
Stacey Harker, a therapist at Cognitive FX, referred to their work as a form of “cleanup crew” for the brain. “We go in and fix the detours,” Harker said.
For patients like Tyler, who have felt dismissed or misunderstood for years, the greatest benefit has not just been physical, but also being encouraged to go beyond their situation's limits.
"These patients are struggling with dizziness, they're struggling with headaches, certain symptoms that would be debilitating for other people," Neuromuscular physical therapist, Toshi Sugiyama, said.
Upon the end of treatment, patients go through a follow-up scan and then receive a personalized post-care plan and continued support from the clinic to see further recovery.
The clinic said that 90% of their patients report a 60% reduction in symptoms.
"The difference is hope and knowing I'm not alone," Tyler said. "That there are people who care and understand. I don't think words will ever express the impact Cognitive FX had on my life."
This may not be a miracle cure, but it may be the path forward for those dealing with concussive symptoms to feel like themselves again.
Dr. Fong said that one thing she wants others to know is that there is hope after a traumatic brain injury, and science is changing and improving every year to treat concussions better.